For Hispanic Heritage Month, here are some highlights of the community’s top-notch Latin-owned eateries.
REDWOOD CITY, CA — Camila Coupal opened the first Coupa Café location 21 years ago in Palo Alto. They have since expanded to nine other spots across the Peninsula. In 2019, they opened in Redwood City.
“[Redwood City] felt like the perfect place — diverse, welcoming and full of community spirit. We knew people here would embrace not only our flavors and traditions, but also the urban oasis that Coupa represents. For us, food has always been about family, culture and community,” Coupal told Patch.
Coupa Café is a family-owned and -operated business founded and run by Nancy, Camelia and JP Coupal. The menu is rooted in Venezuelan traditions. From arepas to pabellón, these are dishes that carry history, memory and love. The restaurant honors Hispanic heritage by keeping those recipes authentic, but also by making the café a gathering place where people from all backgrounds can share in the culture and international cuisine. Even the music, art and warm hospitality reflect the spirit of Latin America, Coupal told Patch.
Like many small businesses, Coupa Café has faced challenges from navigating cultural differences and introducing traditional dishes that were new to some customers. But the triumphs have been even greater.
“Seeing people fall in love with Venezuelan food, building relationships with our community, and being recognized as part of the fabric of Redwood City,” Coupal told Patch were just some of the triumphs.
For Coupal, Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of the richness and diversity of their cultures, and how much they contribute to the life of this community.
Limón
Executive Chef Martín Castillo and his brothers Antonio and Eduardo proudly opened the sixth Bay Area location of Limón in Redwood City, celebrating their Peruvian heritage.
“The city really has it all, amazing restaurants, cultural events, parks, schools and the best weather. We felt it was the perfect spot to bring people together around Peruvian flavors and our unique ambiance or what our guests like to call the ‘Limón vibe.’ We wanted to add our own energy to what already makes this city so special,” Castillo told Patch.
For more than 30 years, the Castillo family has been building businesses and wanted to go beyond just serving delicious food. At Limón, they share their Latin heritage in every detail. From Peruvian artwork on the walls to cultural touches throughout the space, everything is designed to celebrate where they come from. At the same time, they bring a touch of sophistication, making every visit feel like a rich, authentic experience.
Every dish on Limón’s menu is the result of months of work from testing to refining and perfecting, Castillo told Patch. From the very first ingredient to the final plating, they place immense care into every step.
“Honestly, that’s what we’re most proud of, knowing that behind every bite there’s passion, dedication and a lot of heart,” Castillo told Patch.
More Latin-owned restaurants found in Redwood City:
Con Azúcar Café – Founded by Alan Jimenez, this eatery has quickly become a vibrant hub in downtown Redwood City, embodying the spirit of Mexican café culture. The café is celebrated for its enormous conchas, lively decor and unique Mexican-style coffee beverages, fostering a strong sense of culture and community.
Maizz – Founded by brothers Rodrigo and Everardo Gonzales, Maizz is a family-owned restaurant that brings the vibrant street corn traditions of Michoacán to Redwood City. This gem specializes in authentic elote and esquites, with each dish bursting with bold flavors and hometown pride. More than just a snack stop, Maizz is a warm invitation to experience Mexican heritage, one delicious bite at a time.
Quinto Sol – A family-operated establishment that draws its culinary inspiration from Puebla, Mexico. Founded by Hector and Helena Sol, with their daughter Alexa Sol now at the helm for the next generation, it offers one of the largest tequila selections in the Bay Area. Its welcoming ambiance has made Quinto Sol a cherished spot for locals to convene, celebrate and enjoy a meal together.
LV Mar – A vibrant and modern restaurant where Chef Manuel Martinez, of the La Viga Culinary Family, showcases his creative expertise. He is dedicated to presenting ever-evolving flavors through the restaurant’s renowned elevated tapas and inventive cocktails.
Angelica’s – The restaurant Angelica Solorzano founded in 2013 and named after herself reflects her passion for cooking, entertaining and creativity. Together with her family, she has cultivated a vibrant destination celebrated for its California cuisine with a Latin twist, as well as its lively ambiance featuring music, events, and festivities.
“To Redwood City, we want to say thank you for supporting us, embracing our traditions and making us feel at home. We’re proud to be here, and we hope to keep sharing our food and culture for many years to come,” Coupal told Patch.